Photo By Cpl. Jade Venegas | U.S. Army Soldiers and candidates with the Small Unit Ranger Tactics course climb up a...... read more read more
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SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii - U.S. Army Soldiers with the 25th Infantry Division, as well as service members from across the armed services, prepare for U.S. Army Ranger School by attending the Army’s three-week Small Unit Ranger Tactics (SURT) course at Lightning Academy, Wahiawa, Hawaii, from Sept. 3-26, 2025.
The SURT course consists of 20 training days and is combined with classroom instruction and practical application of the course, which is a mandatory prerequisite for Ranger School. The course builds the foundation for success that focuses on building the skills, fitness, and mental resilience required to succeed during the Ranger Assessment Phase and Darby Phase, which are the initial and most demanding stages of Ranger School.
The curriculum blends classroom instruction with rigorous field training in Hawaii’s rugged terrain. Students train on what’s usually known as the ‘big five,’ which are small unit tactics such as patrolling and squad-level operations, land navigation, including day and night navigation over challenging terrain, leadership development with a focus on decision-making under stress, physical conditioning, preparing soldiers to perform under fatigue and heavy loads, and teamwork and resilience, emphasizing the Ranger Creed and collective mission success.
“The SURT course is critical for preparing future Rangers,” said U.S. Army Staff Sgt. John Middleton, a SURT instructor at Lightning Academy. “On a scale of one to ten, I’d rate its effectiveness as a ten, especially in the physical aspects. This program gives students a clear understanding of what’s expected at Ranger School and provides them with the tools they need to succeed.”
U.S. Army Sgt. Jeffrey Woosnam, also an instructor at Lightning Academy, attended the SURT course approximately a year ago and said that attention to detail is one of the most important lessons the course teaches.
“Land navigation is always a challenge, especially with the unique terrain here,” Woosnam expressed. “Students need to be physically fit, but more importantly, they have to develop the mental toughness to keep going when they’re exhausted and under pressure.”
In addition, the course instills the Ranger Creed, a guiding set of principles that shape a Ranger’s mindset and character.
“Success isn’t about the individual,” Middleton said. “We teach students that it’s about supporting the soldiers to your left and right. This course develops leaders who can put the mission and their team above themselves.”
The goal is to push participants to their limits, develop confident leaders, and ensure they arrive at Ranger School prepared to succeed.
While these challenges are difficult, they are essential to preparing students for the stress of Ranger School.
According to Middleton, about 40% of participants graduate on their first attempt, but Soldiers are encouraged to return and try again.
“The hardest part for most students is maintaining motivation when they’re completely drained,” Middleton said. “We want them to understand that Ranger School is even more demanding and SURT gives them a taste of that reality.”
“Come here physically ready,” Woosnam advised. “But just as importantly, come mentally prepared to be challenged. This course will test you in every way.”
SURT not only prepares Soldiers for Ranger School, but also benefits their home units by developing stronger leaders. Even those who don’t continue on to Ranger School return with advanced tactical knowledge and leadership skills they can share with their teams.
“Whether they graduate or not, everyone leaves this course more capable and better prepared to lead,” Middleton said. “We’re building soldiers who can go back to their units and raise the standard.”
U.S. Army Spc. Matthew Fish, originally a combat medic with 2nd Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment, expressed his reasoning to attend the SURT course stating, “I’ve always wanted to be a Ranger. It's just something that I have to do to prove myself and become a better Soldier. I’m looking forward to finishing this course and heading over to Fort Benning, Georgia.”
Middleton echoed that perseverance is key.
“Don’t quit on yourself or your team,” he said. “This course is about developing leaders who never give up, no matter how tough it gets.”
As a prerequisite for Ranger School, SURT plays a vital role in producing highly skilled leaders who can operate in the most demanding combat environments. The course reflects the Army’s commitment to preparing soldiers for success, not only at Ranger School, but also in their future missions.
“The ultimate goal is to make sure our Soldiers are ready to meet any challenge,” Middleton said. “SURT ensures they have the mindset, skills, and determination to lead from the front.”
To learn more about the SURT course please visit; https://home.army.mil/hawaii/25thID/units/lightning-academy
| Date Taken: | 09.19.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 09.24.2025 15:52 |
| Story ID: | 549117 |
| Location: | SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, HAWAII, US |
| Web Views: | 18 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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